Author Archives: VocalsOnTop

250 word album review – Ashley Raines & The New West Revue – Gutter Mansions

Ashley Raines has spent years spinning tales of the downtrodden. On his latest release he uses his semi-rotating cast of the New West Revue to deliver a similar message with a very different sound. His last record “It Could Be … Continue reading

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Coming Soon: Vandoliers and Austin Lucas at Knuckleheads in Kansas City 3/9/19

WHO’S PLAYING?  Vandoliers (Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas) and Austin Lucas (Bloomington, Indiana) WHAT TO EXPECT?  The cutting edge of country music, not the Thomas Rhett crap you hear on the radio but rather the true blood flowing through the veins of … Continue reading

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Vocals On Top’s Top 10 Albums of 2018

I’ve never understood why year end lists are made before the end of the year, I need every last day to soak in music and hear as much as I possibly can to make my top 10. 2018 saw my … Continue reading

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250 word album review: Colter Wall – Songs of the Plains

Colter Wall’s pleasing baritone is so soothing and rich it almost feels like an act. This album is filled with vintage cowboy songs from america’s neighbor to the north and the entire album relies heavily on Wall’s vocals alone, finding … Continue reading

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Album at a glance: Toward Space – Gently With A Chainsaw

Toward Space is a loose and erratic band that specializes in bluesy romps that stay energetic and unpredictable. The playful sound of this bare bones rock band is closest to punk but you can clearly her the blues backbone on … Continue reading

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250 word album review: Reverend Horton Heat – Whole New Life

  Reverend Horton Heat has always been about revivals and new beginnings and obviously by the title of their new record (“Whole New Life”) not much is changing. When you dive into the music you’ll find that assumption to be … Continue reading

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Coming Soon: William Elliott Whitmore with Raye Zaragoza at Record Bar in Kansas City 12/13/18

WHO’S PLAYING?  William Elliott Whitmore (Lee County, Iowa) Raye Zaragoza (New York City)   WHAT TO EXPECT? Roots to the core; honesty, compassion and two acoustic songwriters fighting for what they believe. Everyone knows William Elliott Whitmore hails from Lee County, Iowa. In Lee … Continue reading

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250 word album review: Rhett Miller – The Messenger

Rhett Miller wanders from his band the Old 97’s occasionally to record some solo records, “The Messenger” is his fifth to be exact. Many frontmen have solo careers that are essentially stripped down and quieter versions of their band, for … Continue reading

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Album at a glance: Reliant Tom – Bad Orange

Reliant Tom’s electronica fueled “Bad Orange” concentrates on grooves and vocal prowess. With a vocalist that sounds like Shirley Manson drowning in “Kid A” inspired instrumentals that album is definitely unique. On the opening song “Bad Orange” the duo kicks … Continue reading

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250 word album review: GospelbeacH – Another Winter Alive

GospelbeacH has really tapped into the Laural Canyon vibes for their album “Another Winter Alive.” The folky psyche-pop approach fits right in line with bands like the Fleet Foxes where bands created soundscapes and concentrated on the mood of a … Continue reading

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